We are pleased to share that Jiwon Bang (MA '24, East Asian Studies) and Jong Beom "JB" Lim (MS '25 Computer Science; BAS '24 International Relations and Mathematical  Computational Science) are the co-recipients of the 13th Annual Korea Program Prize for Writing in Korean Studies. Bang is recognized for her thesis, "Multidimensional Diplomacy: The Evolution of the Pacific Pact and the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea, 1948-1953." Lim is recognized for his thesis "Navigating Asymmetry: Leadership Preferences and Foreign Policy Outcomes in U.S. Security Allies."

"Jiwon meticulously examines the historical origins and evolution of the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), says Gi-Wook Shin, Professor of Sociology and William J. Perry Professor of Contemporary Korea. "Disputing the conventional view that the Treaty was a direct response to the outbreak of the Korean War (1950-1953), she uncovers its roots and complex processes extending back to pre-war discussions in 1948. Her study provides a nuanced understanding of the early Cold War security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and has contemporary relevance. By drawing on lessons from the Pacific Pact's failure, her thesis offers insights for contemporary regional security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region." 

"JB marshals detailed comparative case studies of policy debates over the last two decades in South Korea and the Philippines, augmented by semi-structured interviews of several dozen elites involved in foreign policymaking in the two countries," says Kenneth Schultz, William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science. "The cases show how alternation in power between leaders from different parties fundamentally altered the tenor of bargaining with the United States and the approach to dealing with domestic opposition. The result is a compelling argument, elegantly and persuasively written. Not only does [this thesis] present an incisive analysis of a key dilemma facing South Korean leaders, but it situates this case in a comparative context alongside the Philippines. It also provides timely insights into the challenges of alliance management and makes a nuanced contribution to the scholarly literature on domestic politics and international bargaining."

View more information about Jiwon Bang's paper.
For more information about JB Lim's paper.

Sponsored by the Korea Program and the Center for East Asian Studies, the writing prize recognizes and rewards outstanding examples of writing by Stanford students in an essay, term paper, or thesis produced during the current academic year in any discipline within the area of Korean studies, broadly defined. The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Past Recipients:

12th Annual Prize (2023)
11th Annual Prize (2022)
10th Annual Prize (2021)
9th Annual Prize (2020)
8th Annual Prize (2019)
7th Annual Prize (2018)
6th Annual Prize (2017)
5th Annual Prize (2016)
4th Annual Prize (2015)
3rd Annual Prize (2014)
2nd Annual Prize (2013)
1st Annual Prize (2012)

On June 6, 2024, Shorenstein APARC Fellow Thomas Fingar spoke at a public forum hosted by the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation (CAPRI) on the nuances of intelligence analysis and their application to policymaking. Dr. Fingar is a former deputy director of national intelligence for analysis and chairman of the U.S. National Intelligence Council. He previously served as assistant secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR). Under his leadership, the federal intelligence bureau gained a reputation for quality and unbiased analysis.

Held at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan, the CAPRI public forum drew government leaders, diplomats, business representatives, scholars, and students. Watch the discussion:

In his remarks, Fingar delved into the intricacies of tailoring intelligence reports to policymakers' needs. He noted that the key criterion is not absolute accuracy but the usefulness of the input.

Describing what he coined “wicked problems," he cited various scenarios exhibiting complex issues requiring long-term and multifaceted approaches to intelligence. These scenarios include the Russian-Ukraine war, polio resurgence, climate change, migration, nuclear stability, and green technology. He elaborated on the interconnectedness of these topics, and how the effects of one crisis create a ripple effect on other markets and economies.

Fingar highlighted the need to ensure that one international player does not negate the solution implemented by another in dealing with such issues. What makes problems wicked is that a single government can’t solve them, he said.